Crime scene investigators have been in a County Durham village after its Christmas tree was "deliberately" cut down in a "disgusting act of mindless vandalism".

Pictures taken today show CSI officers bagging evidence and taking pictures of the tree in Shotton Colliery, which had stood for more than ten years.

Pictures also show the tree is still lying on the ground.

As previously reported , the tree was cut down at about 11.20pm on Wednesday (December 10), just hours after the village's Christmas Lights Switch-On.

CSI teams were also seen bagging evidence (Image: NORTH NEWS & PICTURES LTD)

Police said they believe the tree was cut down deliberately and are appealing for any witnesses to the incident, or anyone who may have CCTV or doorbell footage of anyone acting suspiciously in th

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